Pathfinders

“Pathfinders was helpful in giving my project structure, and helping me realize that a project like this is much more attainable than I had initially thought” — Pathfinders participant

The Pathfinders program focuses on entrepreneurship development by enabling participants to create their own community based outdoor program, event, or project. Pathfinders will enhance their professional skills through workshops, coaching, resources, and connections to other leaders.  The program will center Justice Outside’s mission of advancing racial justice and equity in the outdoor and environmental movement.Pathfinders

The Program

Project development and planning takes time, energy and resources. This is an introduction to entrepreneurship for those interested in starting their own project. We will use the time to learn skills and strategies from industry experts. We will also provide 1-on-1 coaching and focused working groups facilitated by a Justice Outside partner.  Justice Outside will also provide a mini grant that will be up to $1,000 to fund the projects  of each participant.

Example projects

  • Outdoor Yoga Retreat for BIPOC 
  • Backpacking Retreat for QTPOC+ Folx
  • Nature and Wellness Activities Event for Families
  • Interpretive Hiking Program for Youth 
  • BIPOC Poetry and Book Club

Coaching

Rachael Meyers, alum of the Pathfinders program and Executive Director of  Youth on Root, will provide Pathfinders with 1:1 coaching and small group coaching to support the development of a community  project. 

Other Partners + Facilitators

  • Sierra Reece, OEI Pathfinders alum, Radical Monarchs Program and Communications Manager
  • Jennifer Fei, Founder and Principal of ōen studios
  • Elizabeth Allen, Director of Learning and Evaluation at Justice Outside
  • And more to come (including a panel of program founders and leaders)

Dates(subject to change) bold parts are recent changes

  • Virtual Orientation : July 29th 
  • Virtual Kick Off Retreat : August 3rd and 4th 
  • Virtual workshops : August 17th and 31st, September 14th, October 5th
  • Virtual Coaching + Peer Working Groups: September 20th through November 14th
  • Still planning details– Culmination Retreat: November 15th – 17th 

The Participants

  • Past Outdoor Educators Institute or Rising Leaders Fellowship participants
  • Black, Indigenous, and People of Color
  • Excited to develop a community based outdoor project

Questions? Contact our OEI Program Manager Tyler Gonzales (he/him) at tyler@justiceoutside.org.